THE NATURAL BUILDING WORKSHOP

A major component of permaculture design involves sourcing and using local materials for building shelter and other infrastructure that meets the needs of people on site. Everywhere humans are found living on this planet, you can be sure that nearby are a host of natural materials that can be employed in building and designing appropriate technology. In Central America, and especially in Guatemala, we are fortunate enough to have access to a great diversity of natural materials for building.

While we have been building with natural materials for years, we have only recently decided to begin hosting natural building workshops.

UPCOMING NATURAL BUILDING WORKSHOP

August 27 - September 2, 2017

JOIN US:

In collaboration with Oliver Goshey, the founder of a natural building and regenerative design company, Abundant Edge. Oliver is also the host of the The Abundant Edge podcast! Join us, for an immersive week of hands-on and classroom learning. This course will provide an opportunity to get your hands on an array of tools, practice new techniques with immediate feedback, and exercise your teamwork strengths while creating a beautiful community space at the Atitlán Organics’ Permaculture Farm.

Each day will bring a new hands-on technique and a class/lecture on topics including....... with a focus on........ Each evening there will be a related video to watch if you choose.

CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO FROM PAST CLASSES

WHAT YOU GET FOR YOUR MONEY

The cost of the week-long Natural Building Intensive is Q4000 or $575 per person. This includes a 6 night and 7 days stay at the Bambu Guest House, three meals a day, snacks, coffee and tea. It also includes the facilitation, all field trips and travel, plus course material, note packets, and other electronic information.

There are several partial scholarships available. Please request more info through the contact form

Facilitators

oliver M. goshey

An accomplished natural builder who has worked in eleven countries on six continents. After six years of working in the industrial building trades and as an maritime engineer, he apprenticed with the Cob Cottage Company, specializing in cob and earthen plasters and finishes. Abundant Edge is his culmination of years of passionate research, travel, and experimentation with earthen building materials and regenerative design techniques. Oliver hopes to promote healthy lifestyles that repair and advance ecosystems through symbiotic design and compassionate construction.

LODGING AND FOOD

The food and The Bambu Guest House spoiled me! Antonio and Juana are angels.” Zsofi, Czech Republic, Class of March 2015

Amazing Farm to Table Meals are served at the Bambu Guest House. The Course price includes all lodging and three meals a day, plus snacks, coffee, tea, and dessert. Its soo nice!!!

Permaculture Design Courses have always been known for their excellent, organic, locally grown food and our courses are no exception. Atitlan Organics works closely with the Bambu Guest House, which is a five-minute walk from the farm and where participants stay for the entire course. The Bambu Guest House has a Farm to Table Restaurant that serves up delicious and filling plates mainly composed of Atitlan Organics’ and other local farm products. Currently, Atitlan Organics supplies all of the milk, yogurt, cheese, salads, cooking greens, honey, coffee, chicken, taro root, pigeon peas, and herbs to the Bambu Guest House Restaurant. The restaurant is run by three young, local, aspiring chefs named Antonio, Juana, and Petrona, all only 19 years old. They are amazing!

Beyond the food, the Bambu Guest House is a brand new, natural building boasting bathrooms and balconies in each room, new comfy beds, wifi, super hot water, and amazing views of the lake, mountains, and rivers. The Bambu Guest House is proof that natural building can be clean and luxurious. Lodging is shared, but private rooms are also available for an additional charge.

All food, snacks, coffee, tea, and frescos are included in the week-long permaculture course, as well as lodging for the duration at The Bambu Guest House. Three meals a day are served, buffet style, as well as coffee and tea throughout most of the day and daily snacks as well. Basically, you are well-fed and well-kept. And it feels soo nice! If you are interested in private housing, please mention that to us when you write.

Travel and Logistics

The workshop always starts on Sunday afternoon. Participants are expected to arrive by 4pm, but are welcome to come and check in at the Bambu Guest House any time throughout the day.

Once the course starts, all food, lodging, training, and travel is covered and included in the cost of the workshop. We often travel on local pickups, which makes all excursions fun and exciting. Adventure travel for sure!

The intensive ends on a Saturday a noon, following a big brunch, student presentations, and goodbyes. We can help arrange shuttles to/from the airport, Antigua, or anywhere else for that matter. Just let us know if you need this service.

Upon writing us to express interest, we will send an FAQ and a food allergy questionnaire. We can accommodate almost all requests including vegan, gluten free, vegetarian, etc.

First spin the hoop with your hands as you let it fall towards your hips. Move hips vigorously...

Directions

Coming from Antigua, you would go to Panajachel, which is one of the three big towns on the lake and takes about 3 hours to arrive.

From Panajachel, you take a boat (lancha) at the public dock. Tell the captain that you are going to the town of Tzununa (zoo-new-nah) which is three public stops from Panajachel.

Get off at the Public Dock in Tzununa and take a Tuk Tuk or little three wheeled car and tell them you want to go to El Bambu. It costs q5 per person per tuk tuk and should be around q15 to q20 per person for the Lancha ride.

When you get to El Bambu, go through the gate and up to the main building. Someone will show you your room.

As noted, we are in the little town of Tzununa, quiet and still ‘undiscovered’. From the guest house you are less than 10 minute walk to the lake and less than 20 meters from beautiful rivers. You are a 45 ‘minute walk or a 10 minute tuk tuk ride away from the town of San Marcos la Laguna. This has many places to eat, drink, practice yoga, etc.

Again, we can help you get to the lake from Antigua or the airport, or from anywhere. Just let us know and we can arrange a shuttle for you.